Meaning & Origins

Of relatively recent origin and uncertain etymology. It is first recorded in the 19th century. It may be a shortened form of Belinda, an adoption of Spanish linda ‘pretty’, or a Latinate derivative of any of various other Germanic female names ending in -lind meaning ‘weak, tender, soft’. It was popular in the 20th century, especially in the 1950s.

Scottish and northern Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Shitrig, a patronymic from a Gaelic form of the Old Norse personal name Sigtryggr, which is composed of the elements sigr ‘victory’ + tryggr ‘true’.